Structure of darkness: The Dark Triad, the ‘Dark’ Empathy and the ‘Dark’ Narcissism

Abstract

While it is universally agreed that empathy deficit is a necessary condition for the dark roster membership, the literature provides no consensus regarding differential associations between individual Dark Triad traits with cognitive and affective empathy. With this in mind, we have investigated topology of the network consisting of Affective and Cognitive Measure of Empathy, Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, and Short Dark Triad traits (SD3). The network analysis disclosed cohesive configuration of multiply connected study variables, thus confirming their aversive coaction. Two main axes of study variables were identified: the ‘dark’ affective dissonance-rivalry-psychopathy axis, and the ‘brighter’ admiration-SD3 narcissism axis; each characterized by its specific manifestation of empathic deficit. Affective dissonance was the most central while affective resonance was the most redundant node of the network. Rivalry — a node connecting the two axes — had the greatest strength in the network and was closer to affective dissonance than to psychopathy. Involvement of affective dissonance uncovered the dual nature of Machiavellianism by shifting it away from psychopathy and closer to narcissism. Overall, by use of structural information not accessible by other means, this study substantiates the proposition about the essential role of distinct empathic deficits in the constellation of antagonistic traits.

The dark side of empathy in narcissistic personality disorder

“…Narcissism is among malevolent traits of the Dark Triad ( 43 ), together with psychopathy and Machiavellianism. Further to this point, Gojković et al ( 43 ) investigated correlations between Affective and Cognitive Measure of Empathy, admiration, rivalry, and the Short Dark Triad traits (SD3) ( 44 ). Rivalry, but not psychopathy, was the strongest trait of the dark core.…”

“…Furthermore, significant fluctuations in NPD empathic skills might be affected by self-regulation, increased when they feel confident and decreased when they are exposed or threatened ( 43 ).…”

Structure of resilience: A Machiavellian contribution or ‘paddle your own canoe’

“…Affective dissonance (e.g., sadism, scorn, schadenfreude) outperforms low affective resonance as a predictor of pathological personality traits. Affective dissonance is the underpinning of antagonism [ 16 ], the joint fabric of psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism. Expression and the joint occurrence of these personality traits are primarily reported in men [ 17 ].…”

“…In order to satisfy this urge, narcissists often engage in socially highly esteemed actions and project signs of care and compassion. Narcissists use their ability to correctly recognize emotions of other people in order to foster their manipulative interpersonal strategies [ 16 ]. Admiration is positively associated with Extroversion and socially desirable behaviors [ 26 ] while rivalry, accompanied by affective dissonance, is at the very heart of antagonism [ 16 ].…”

“…Narcissists use their ability to correctly recognize emotions of other people in order to foster their manipulative interpersonal strategies [ 16 ]. Admiration is positively associated with Extroversion and socially desirable behaviors [ 26 ] while rivalry, accompanied by affective dissonance, is at the very heart of antagonism [ 16 ]. Admiration is considered to be protective while rivalry is reported to exacerbate psychological distress [ 27 ].…”